NYC pharmacy goes electric

Duane Reade, New York City’s largest drug-store chain with more than 250 locations, is deploying Smith Electric Vehicle’s Newton all-electric commercial trucks into its delivery fleet

Duane Reade, New York City’s largest drug-store chain with more than 250 locations, is deploying Smith Electric Vehicle’s Newton all-electric commercial trucks into its delivery fleet.

Duane Reade is the first retail pharmacy in the U.S. to employ all-electric commercial vehicles, Smith said.

The trucks will operate in heavy New York City traffic with frequent stopping and starting. The zero-emissions Newton can travel up to 100 mi. on a single charge while carrying a payload of 16,000 lbs.

The Newton also features a regenerative braking system that reduces wear on the brakes while restoring charge to the battery.

“In having a significant part of our retail foundation within the most dynamic urban center in the world, we want to do our part to conserve energy across all areas of operation by lowering our carbon footprint in addition to creatively integrating low-energy output solutions within Duane Reade stores,” said Paul Tibero, senior vice president merchandising & chief marketing officer for Duane Reade. “We are excited to partner with Smith Electric Vehicles and are confident the investments we are making today are not only good for the environment, but they also work to increase our business efficiency.”